Saudi Arabia


Saudi Arabia is the shorter form for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, U.A.E., Oman, and Yemen, and it is the largest country in the Middle East. Because of the harsh climate, not much settlement had been seen before the 1960s. However, due to economic and urban growth, more than 95% of the population is now settled.

Saudi Arabia is known as the birthplace of Islam. All citizens are encouraged to make the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj is a pilgrimage from wherever they are living to the "holy" city of Makkah. Islam has spread from Saudi Arabia to as far as Spain and India.

Saudi Arabia makes the majority of its money from oil. The land Saudi Arabia has covers about 25% of the worlds oil reserves, and the Saudis have been trading with China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US.

Freedom of Speech


http://www.redstate.com/mike_dugas/2008/11/29/un-votes-against-freedom-of-speech/

Two-paragraph opinion on the UN's view of freedom of speech

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/140013/no-more-pope-jokes/michael-ledeen

Article on cartoons about Islam

http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml#atop

Universal Rights Declaration; see rights 18+19 for the freedom of speech/thought, which relates to Dutch cartoons about Allah